Introduction to Social Work Talent Training and Innovation Activities at Department of Sociology of Shenzhen University

The social work talent training and innovation activities at the Department of Sociology focuses on selecting a number of industry institutions, industry associations and social organizations in Shenzhen for promoting the integration of the “four chains”, i.e., education chain, talent chain, industrial chain, and innovation chain, on the topics of social work innovation, social organization cultivation and social policy advocacy, and exploring a new model of social work talent training.

On March 29, Professor Xu Daowen and Teacher Xu Tuoqian from the Department of Sociology of the School of Government of Shenzhen University led nearly 20 graduate students majoring in social work to visit the Shenzhen Shelian Social Work Service Center. The teachers and students were warmly received by Yan Shuxiang, President of Shelian Social Work Service Center, Director General Li Yangang, Specialized Deputy General Manager RenHaiwei, Administrative Deputy General Manager Hu Dandan, and Education & Training Director Liu Shanshan. This survey is an important part of promoting the in-depth exchanges and cooperation between the Department of Sociology of Shenzhen University and social work organizations, deepening students’ understanding of the social work sector and clarifying their future research and employment direction. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions based on social work case studies, internship practices, the development of institutional operations and other aspects.

Administrative Deputy General Manager Hu Dandan led the teachers and students to visit the Shelian Social work Service Center, and introduced the internal governance, talent team, development history, operating results, brand projects, public service actions, service impact evaluation and staff culture construction of the organization to the teachers and students, which deepened their understanding of the social work organization.

Figure 1: Administrative Deputy General Manager Hu Dandan introduced the situation of the organization

After learning about the service content and development of the organization in detail, Professor Xu Daowen and Teacher Xu Tuoqian expressed the expectation of in-depth cooperation between the university and the enterprises. The graduate students also raised relevant questions and expressed their interest in related fields and projects in terms of project content, case studies, internship practice and future employment needs.

Figures 2-4: Discussion between the teachers and students and the organization

Yan Shuxiang, President of Shelian Social Work Service Center, recommended research projects according to the needs of the graduate students, and suggested that the university-enterprise cooperation could be promoted fromthe research and development of social work projects in new fields. Director General Li Yangang, Education & Training Director Liu Shanshan and Specialized Deputy General Manager Ren Haiwei patiently answered the questions of the graduate students about the project content and internship duration. Through active interaction and communication, the two sides deepened their understanding of each other’s situation. The teachers and students of Shenzhen University also had a clearer direction of future case studies, internship and employment. The visit was a complete success!

Figure 5: A group photo of the teachers and students with the organization

A total of 21 teachers and students participated in this visit. The students will observe the daily operation of social organizations according to their own intentions, thus laying a solid foundation for social worker case studies, future internship and employment plans, etc., and promoting the integrated development of industry, university and research.

First Review and First Proofreading: Xu Tuoqian

Second Review and Second Proofreading: Chi Shangxin

Third Review and Third Proofreading: Huang Binhuan